2000 Caravan Surpentine Belt Problem

[kishorham]

Hi,
On my 2000 Dodge caravan, surpentine belt torn out in less than a year(10,000KM). Any hints how to prevent this quick wear-out problem in future? Any maintenace diagram, how to replace it by myself? Do I need to replace tensioner or ideler too?

What happens if it breaks while driving on highway with 100 KMPH speed? Any danger of controlling vehicle in that case?

Thanks in advance

[67Cuda]

Try a higher quality belt and see what happens. If the belt breaks while driving you'll lose power steering, so the wheel will be heavier to turn.

[webbee]

Usually the idler or the tensioner are the problems of belt throwing. Replace both idler/tensioner if 1 is bad. I read that Dayco or Goodyear gatorback belts are the preferred replacements. The factory may have changed to a slightly larger diameter belt, so it isn't the preferred belt anymore. An out of alignment pulley can do it also.

[mrbizness1]

What do you mean by torn out? If it has shredded then you could have a pulley, idler or tensioner problem. I replaced a Mopar belt with a standard Dayco belt after the Mopar belt kept coming off in wet weather.